Motorcycling to Magnificent Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh is located in the southern part of the state of Rajasthan, in the northwestern part of India. It is located beside a high hill near the Gambheri River. It is 112 km from Udaipur and 182 km from Ajmer.

Chittorgarh, also known as Chittaur, was the Rajput capital of Mewar between 7th and 16th centuries AD. Chittaur echoes with the tales of romance and valour unique to the Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular chattris.

Places to Visit:-

Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort is a living monument. The clusters of building that make up the Fort are reminiscent of ideal of honour and self-respect. The Chittorgarh Fort looks down from a 180 meter high hillock and comfortably sweeps around a massive 700 acres of land. This might give you a rough idea as to how gigantic this fort is. Considered to be the largest of all Rajput forts, the Chittorgarh Fort is the blazing symbol of Rajput pride. Ranked as one of the most spectacular forts in India, the roads leading to the fort are somewhat steep and quite enervating.

Rana Kumbha Palace

This beautiful, massive monument inside Chittorgarh Fort carries immense historical and architectural importance. It was here that Rani Padmini and her companions committed Jauhar or self immolation in order to protect their honor when Chittorgarh was seized by Alauddin Khilji.

Kalika Mata Temple

Originally built as a Sun Temple in the 8th century, the temple was later converted into Kalika Mata Temple in the 14th century A.D., dedicated to the mother Goddess Kali- the symbol of power and valour.

Vijay Stambh or Tower of Victory

The place was built in 1440 AD by the great Maharana Kumbha for commemorating his victory against Mahmud Khalji. This 9-storyed, 37-meters high tower is decorated with numerous sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. A staggering 157 narrow steps leads to the terrace, which offers a great view of the entire city.

Kirti Stambh or Tower of Fame

The 22 metres high tower by a wealthy jain merchant in the 12th century A.D. The tower is dedicated to Adinathji,the first of the Jain Tirthankaras and is decorated with figures of the Jain pantheon.

Gaumukh Reservoir

This is a deep tank that is shaped like a cow-mouth. Located at the cliff’s edge, it is considered sacred by the Hindu devotees.

Meera Bai Temple

Meera Bai temple was built in North Indian manner, which has an open arcade in the region of the chamber with four pavilions in each angle. Located in the Chittorgarh fort, it is in the compound of Kumbha Shyam Temple.

On the request of Meera Bai, an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna, her father in law “Maharana Sangram Singh I built a small Lord Krishna temple near the Kumbh temple. Kumbh temple is famously known as Kumbha Shyam Temple (Temple of Varah) which was built by Maharana Kumbha in 1449. There is also a small Chhatr in the temple wich was built in the memory of Meera’s saintl guru, Rai Das (Swami Ravidas) of Varanasi.

Fairs and Festivals

Jauhar Mela (Annual Fair. February – March)

The fort and the city of Chittorgarh host the biggest Rajput festival called the “Jauhar Mela”. It takes place annually on the anniversary of one of the jauhars, but no specific name is given to it. It is generally believed that it commemorates Padmini’s jauhar, which is most famous. This festival is held primarily to commemorate the bravery of Rajput ancestors and all three jauhars which happened at Chittorgarh Fort. A huge number of Rajputs, which include the descendants of most of the princely families, hold a procession to celebrate the Jauhar.